Terms of Reference: Researcher for situation and trends analysis (Roadmap to 2030 project)

Background and Context:

In 2024 more people voted in democratic elections in 2024 than at any other time in history. Over 60 countries went to the polls including some of the world’s largest democracies. The governments elected will, in most cases, remain in power until 2029 / 2030. The decision they make will impact on the progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Transform Health is conducting a situational and trends analysis to assess the current context, and to understand the global, regional and national trends and tendencies that are shaping the digital transformation of health systems to achieve UHC by 2030. This understanding will help us to build consensus around the legislative, regulatory, policy and funding environment that needs to be created to enable the digital health sector to expand and contribute to UHC. It will also allow us to gain a deeper understanding of the relationships between the enabling environment and the speed, efficiency and effectiveness of the digital transformation of health, and to chart the critical milestones that need to be achieved if we are to create the necessary conditions for health systems to digitise and deliver on UHC by 2030.

We are looking for an independent consultant to conduct this situation and trends analysis to identify the current challenges and opportunities around digital health and the trends leading into 2030. We will focus on the legislative, regulatory, policy and funding environment, governance and leadership, and political leadership and support for digital transformation, where it comes from and how to increase it. 

 

Objectives and Scope of Work:

The purpose of this consultancy is to manage overall delivery and analysis behind Transform Health’s new initiative to develop a ‘Roadmap to 2030’  (Read more). The consultant will be tasked with conducting research and gathering diverse perspectives that will inform a comprehensive analysis on the current situation of digital health and its contribution to universal health coverage in low and middle income countries. The research will consider the strengths and weaknesses within  the digital health and UHC fields and consider the current opportunities and threats the sector faces in  relation to the legislative, regulatory, policy, funding and political environment.   

The research will identify trends and scope out milestones that need to be reached to ensure digital technology and the management and use of data are accelerating universal health coverage contributing to sustainable development goal 3.8.

 

Deliverables:

The consultant will be expected to: 

  • Develop the research methodology and project scope
  • Conduct a secondary literature review
  • Conduct 20-30 key informant interviews, using an adapted version of the Delphie method
  • Analysis of survey data and data gathered from the Reflection Corner
  • 10 focus group discussions with specific cohorts (young people, technical experts, local organisations, organisations working on the right to health, organisations working with politicians, among others).
  • Liaise and gather input and perspectives from the High Level Advisory Group throughout the project lifecycle
  • A SWOT and PESTLE analysis
  • Deliver a Situational Analysis based on the deskbased review and stakeholder insights
  • Prepare and launch the a public consultation
  • Gather final feedback and finalise the situational and trends analysis. 

 

Timelines: 

Date Deliverable Estimated time allocation
23 May Develop methodology, finalise the research questions and agree on KII and focus group discussions  3 days
15 June KII completed, focus group discussion completed,   4 days
15 June Bibliography completed. Outline of the report submitted to review 3 days
30 June First draft completed and submitted for review to the EF 9 days
25 July Second draft completed and submitted for review to the EF 3 days
01 September  Public consultation held, results consolidated  2 days
17 September Third draft presented to partners and other stakeholders at the UNGA   3 days
15 October  Final report submitted  4 days

 

Overall timeline of the Roadmap to 2030 project: 

 

Roles and Responsibilities:

The consultant will report to Mathilde Forslund and collaborate closely with Strategy and Business Development Lead and Senior Campaign Manager in the day to day management of this assignment.  

This research will be overseen by a high-level advisory group who will provide strategic and content direction  and advice and periodically review progress. 

 

Qualifications and Experience: 

  • Relevant university degree (in public/global health, health policy and systems research, political science, international development, digital governance, or a related field).
  • Minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience, including conducting research and analysis in the fields of digital health, universal health coverage (UHC), or health systems strengthening in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
  • Demonstrated expertise in policy analysis related to legislative, regulatory, funding and governance frameworks within the health and/or digital sectors.
  • Proven experience designing and implementing mixed-methods research, including literature reviews, key informant interviews (KIIs), focus group discussions, and the use of Delphi or similar methodologies.
  • Strong track record of producing high-quality analytical reports, policy briefs, or research publications for multilateral organisations, governments, or civil society audiences, including a publication record. 
  • Experience conducting trend or foresight analysis and developing strategic guidance documents, roadmaps, or scenario planning tools.
  • Familiarity with political economy analysis and multi-stakeholder dynamics in digital health policy contexts.

 

Skills and Attributes:

  • Experience applying SWOT and PESTLE analytical frameworks in global health or digital transformation contexts.
  • Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders including youth, technical experts, grassroots organisations, political actors, and donors.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; proficiency in an additional UN language (especially French or Spanish) is an asset.
  • Ability to work independently and manage complex, multi-phase research projects with limited supervision.
  • Comfort engaging with high-level advisory bodies and presenting findings in global or multilateral forums 

 

Renumeration:

US$ 7,000 to US$ 12,000, depending on experience, for a total of 31 days. 

 

Application Process:

To apply, please submit the following to Frank Smith at [email protected] by 09:00 CET on 09 May: 

  • The CV of the consultant(s) CV and cover letter outlining your experience relevant to this consultancy.
  • Attach or provide links to samples of previous policy briefs/reports/papers/publications. 
  • Your proposed daily rate and number of days to carry out this consultancy, including a breakdown by task.

 

 

About Transform Health

Transform Health is a global coalition of organisations dedicated to achieving health for all in the digital age. Transform Health sets out to build a global movement that brings together organisations and institutions across different sectors, committed to achieving universal health coverage by 2030 by expanding the use of digital technology and increasing access to data. We campaign and collaborate with the individuals, communities, governments, organisations and institutions that are most affected by the lack of access to equitable, affordable and high-quality healthcare.